MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
August 19, 2013
1. Call to Order: The Aug. 19th meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Genn Anzaldi, Andrew Kearns, Lauren Synnott, Fred Nemeth, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Principal, Gayle Dembowski. There were five members of staff/public present.
2. Approve Minutes (6-18-13 & 7-31-13) – Motion by Mr. Kearns, second by Ms. Synnott, to approve the Minutes of the June 18th meeting as circulated. Motion carried with 2 votes in the affirmative and 2 abstentions (Synnott and Nemeth). Motion by Mr. Kearns, second by Ms. Synnott to approve the Minutes of the July 31st special meeting as circulated. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
3. Citizen Comments: Penny Miller expressed concern regarding the teacher benefit by being able to tuition their children at JGS, and questioned whether it has passed. Ms. Anzaldi stated it is something we are working on and will be reviewed on an annual basis. Ms. Miller wished then to go on record with her comments for next year: She questioned how they will be looking at kids in terms of statistics, whether it is based on total enrollment or JGS kids enrollment. Ms. Anzaldi stated it is based on JGS enrollment, adding that it will not be necessary to hire any additional teachers. Ms. Miller questioned if two families move into town in the middle of the school year, are kids going to “get booted”
if they have to hire another teacher. Mr. Kearns said nothing would happen mid year, but if a family moved into the district mid year they would look at funding if a teacher needed to be hired based on kids coming into the district – they would not want to adjust anything mid year.
Ms. Miller stated it is misleading to state “no cost to taxpayer” benefits, stating there is an additional cost to the taxpayer, it is not totally without cost. She questioned whether the benefit is being taxed - are we withholding and paying federal withholding tax and Workmen’s Compensation on that benefit? Ms. Anzaldi stated that is something we can look at to make sure we are in line with other schools, noting other schools are doing this as well. Ms. Miller stated that would be a direct cost to the taxpayer.
One gentleman questioned whether other schools are doing it for other people in town. Ms. Anzaldi said JGS is opening it up to the teachers. He questioned the case of a teacher who is living in Bartlett and wants to send his/her kids to Jackson. Ms. Anzaldi stated the first child is free and others after that would have a cost. Mr. Kearns explained this is just opened up to the teachers because we are still trying to work out what out-of-district cost would be, etc. The gentleman said he is concerned about getting out of town teachers, whether there is any preference, are we giving someone else a benefit?
Ms. Miller questioned the case of the teachers who do not have kids – would that effect negotiations with teachers? Ms. Anzaldi said their research shows in other schools that have administrators, for instance a college, their child gets to go there as well – it does not show up in negotiations. It was noted this has not come up in Fryeburg (who has a tuition policy as well). Ms. Anzaldi said there is no proration as regards other full time staff.
Ms. Dembowski said this has been discussed at PTO meetings by the Enrollment Committee, and the staff tuition piece was a small part of how to market our school, noting in long term trends our enrollment takes a nose dive. She stated we looked at a host of ways that we could increase enrollment. She has been to the Mt. Washington Board of Realtors to see how we can sell to and attract working families who might have children – it is part of a broad movement. She cited Waterville Valley as a public school who does some tuitioning – some research has been done and they explored private options as well, and the feeling is we have a really excellent product that we could offer.
Ms. Miller said she is a big advocate for larger class sizes and supports the teachers; however, she objects to free tuition because it appears to be a very unequal benefit, especially as it is indicated there is no cost to the taxpayer. Mr. Kearns noted it is a first come first served application process. Mr. Nemeth explained if we are over subscribed, we could go to a lottery and have the opportunity to pass on every individual spot - we do not have to allow additional non-Jackson students. Mr. Kearns said if a situation arises that a student is taking away from other kids in the school, that would come to the School Board and they have the ability to say this is not allowed.
Ms. Miller said if a child is disruptive that would be perceived as discrimination. Ms. Synnott said we previously have had tuitioned children in class. Ms. Miller said she would like to attend meetings when this is discussed. Mr. Kearns said it is policy to review it on an annual basis, if we find there are additional expenses because of additional students, we would have to discuss that. Ms. Synnott pointed out there is benefit and cost to every decision. Mr. Kearns assured Ms. Miller there presently is no need for more teachers.
Teacher, Heather Woodward, stated she brought her son here years ago at a reduced tuition rate, so it is something that the school has done in the past. She said it is a huge benefit as regards the investment of the teacher – not trying to split her time - she can put it all here doubly – consider what you are gaining. Mr. Kearns stated applications to the teachers have not yet been sent out, but the motion carried on July 31st regarding tuition of staff children.
One citizen said with regard to the payroll taxes, it would be 15% of the value of Social Security, plus Workmen’s Compensation and unemployment tax, and questioned who is paying. She was told the school’s attorney will advise on that.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items:
- SAU – Other School Board Reports - Dr. Nelson reported teachers return
from summer break on August 27th, students return on Sept. 3rd.
5. Old Business:
- Reduction in Force Policy for Certified Staff – Dr. Nelson provided four
versions for review by the Board as the Chair had requested that the Policy Committee look into it, noting there is nothing in the policy right now except as pertains to non teaching staff. He noted Conway and Bartlett center around evaluations first, then seniority - this is at the discretion of the Board as there is no union in Jackson. Ms. Anzaldi said she would prefer it be based on evaluation and then discretion, which would be more in line with the corporate world – one of the benefits we have by not having a union. She commented all teachers could be proficient, so because we have such a small staff she would like to remove seniority. Ms. Synnott suggested using seniority as part of the discussion.
Ms. Woodward questioned, as an employee, how she would know she is going to have a job. Ms. Anzaldi said it is the same as in the corporate world – you are an employee, if proficient you would not have to worry about it. She noted it opens the gate for us to be a little more flexible. Mr. Kearns said what worries him with discretion is the majority of this Board are parents of students here. He felt we still need to draft a Jackson version. Dr. Nelson pointed out if you deal purely on the performance piece, you would put Ms. Dembowski in a terrible situation in terms of evaluations. Mr. Kearns questioned whether he could do a Jackson draft with performance, one with seniority, one with discretion. Dr. Nelson agreed to draft something for reduction of force
based first on performance, secondly seniority, etc.
6. Consider Second Reading and Adoption of Revised Policy KG (Use of School Buildings) – Motion made by Ms. Anzaldi, second by Ms. Synnott, to adopt revised Policy KG (Use of School Buildings) at second reading with the new verbiage. Dr. Nelson provided a drawing depicting where electioneering would be allowed. This will now be sent to Atty. Malia for the next step. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
7. Consider Personnel Actions:
A. Approval of Request by Sarah Rowe for Child Care Leave – Motion by Ms. Anzaldi, second by Ms. Synnott, to approve child care leave as requested by Sarah Rowe. Carried by unanimous vote. Ms. Dembowski stated she will place an ad seeking someone to fill the vacancy during that period, noting she has already had two inquiries.
8. Business Affairs:
- FYI – 2012-13 Budget Status Report – Dr. Nelson reported they are in good
shape and will have $182,000 to be used to offset taxes next year.
B. FYI – 2012-13 School Lunch Program – Dr. Nelson noted it is down about $8,000, which happens every year.
C. Consider Approval of Food Service Agreement with Bartlett – Ms. Dembowski reported we are only paying ten cents more per lunch to Bartlett, noting they have been excellent, it is good quality food. Motion was made by Mr. Nemeth, seconded by Mr. Kearns, to approve the food service agreement with Bartlett. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
D. FYI – 2012-13 Summary of Expenses and Receipts – Dr. Nelson made reference to the $182,000 remaining to be used to offset taxes next year.
E. Consider Retaining Fund Balance from 6/30/13 – Motion made by Ms. Anzaldi, second by Mr. Kearns, to pull out the $51,421 the district is allowed to retain. Dr. Nelson noted they used an estimated balance of $125,000 and will still be over that.
F. Signing of MS-25/DOE-25 Financial Reports – All reports were duly signed.
9. Administrator’s Reports:
Superintendent – Dr. Nelson reported the SAU Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12th, preceded by an SAU Executive Board meeting at 6:00 p.m.
He noted the Assistant Superintendent Search Committee will continue meeting on Wed. at 3:00 p.m. to determine candidates to be interviewed in the second round.
- Principal – Ms. Dembowski provided copy of draft Enrollment Application
and Financial Contract, noting some corrections have been made based on previous discussions and decisions. There was some discussion regarding scheduling of payment of tuition and Dr. Nelson said they will pay four times a year, suggesting the beginning of each quarter. Ms. Dembowski expressed a preference to have payment sooner so that it could be used to benefit the kids who are here, for instance, for technology or enrichment enhancement. As regards the discussion dealing with projected class sizes, Ms. Synnott suggested using maximum number per classroom instead of grade. Ms. Dembowski acknowledged there is still some language work to be done.
10. Citizen Comments: Ms. Miller questioned how the School Board is involved with the summer program. Ms. Dembowski said every year there is an evaluation and survey. Mr. Kearns stated if there are specific issues based on the evaluations, we are made aware of them.
William White said in terms of the staff’s children’s tuition, he questions the tax implication on the benefit given and encouraged teachers to get advice, accounting-wise. Mr. Kearns stated the Board would try to get the numbers on the withholding.
11. Board Member Issues:
- Set Date for Next Meeting – September 11, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Kearns reported the Transportation Committee met with Bartlett and the difference in what we pay them and what they pay us was discussed. He stated the Bartlett Board would like us to waive the $2500 difference. It was agreed Jackson is getting the better deal. Mr. Nemeth questioned the numbers, noting when his kids were at the bus stop at Goodrich Falls and picked up by the Jackson bus, there were at least five Bartlett kids getting on at the Jackson stop. Ms. Anzaldi suggested getting a clarification on whether it is stops or students.
12. Signing of Manifest: Manifests were duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: None.
14. Adjourn: Motion made by Mr. Kearns, second by Ms. Synnott, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary
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